Backpacking for the first time

[Matt Wiggall (Don't laugh)]

I am an 18 year old guy from Cheltenham in England, UK. I am so desperate to go backpacking but just need to share some concerns and thoughts with the people who know what they are talking about.

I am still in the early planning stage but am hoping to go to Australia about this time next year with a year ticket. I hear I can't drive untill I am 25 in OZ so I will have to truly backpack, which may be better???

I am, at the moment going alone, I have no friends that seem to be interested in travelling and certainly not for that amount of time. As you can imagine most have just started their "dream jobs" or univerity, so there is no talking them round. I am wondering if it is best to try and find someone on the net and spend a year getting to know them or just go it alone. I am stuck in 2 minds.

I have tried to figure out how much money I need and am getting to realise I have no idea really - just a lot. I have been around some shops and added up the cost of some kit (although I'm not sure what I really need because I am trying not to plan too heavily - as in if I run out of money I will sleep on the beach and get a job if need be - though hopefully not) I am also struggling with the idea of how much I need to take with regard money.

I have to admit I am sh*t scared of the great unknown and can't believe I am even considering it, yet I feel a calling. As a kid I never really wanted to travel much (but was stuck with family trips to Yorkshire, UK) yet in the past year or so, I have changed a lot. I have got alot more confident since I have finished college, started working full time, moved out of my parents and started going to places (all-be-it in the UK) without a guide. Petty things I know but it has made me ask myself some questions.

For example I had, untill last year only been to the ER once (for a broken toe when I was 4). Since then I have been twice for smashing (and I mean smashing) my knee (for which I had loads of surgery), and cutting my finger in two, and again I had to have surgery. I had to work through these injuries and am not looking for symathy, they were my own fault) I am looking for an answer.

Why do I feel the need to travel? Why can I suddenly not stand the thought of a desk? (He says sitting at one) Why have I changed?, how? and why don't I know the answers to these questions? I am currently off work for a while so I have way too much time to think about it.

I appologise for boring you and promise I won't do it again. Thanks for even reading this far. I am starting to feel better already.

[GEORGE FRANKEL]

MATT: BACKPACK: INTERNAL FRAME ALLOWS FOR EASIER STORAGE IN THE BACK OF TRUCKS AND CARS. CUP, BOWL, (METAL) SPOON AND A "BILLY CAN" TO COOK WITH. A PUMP TYPE BACK PACKING STOVE WILL COMPLETE YOUR KITCHEN. IF IT IS NOT TOO WET WHERE YOU ARE GOING A DOWN BAG AND A ENSOLITE PAD WILL TAKE CARE OF SLEEPING NEEDS. IF IT IS WET WHERE YOU ARE GOING CHOOSE A TENT THAT HAS A RAIN FLY THAT COMES ALMOST TO THE GROUND. YOUR FOOD SCHOULD ADD UP TO ABOUT 3,000 CAL FOR THE SUMMER AND 5,000 CAL. FOR THE WINTER. IF YOU ARE PUTTTING FOOD IN YOUR PACK FOR THE WEEK NOT TO WEIGH MORE THAN 3 LBS PER DAY. DRY FEET AND TREAT FOR HOT SPOTS ON YOUR FEET IMMEDIATLY. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO GO. GOOD LUCK GEO.F.

[Matt Wiggall (Don't laugh)]

Many thanks for the advise Goerge. I am actually planning on Australia for 6 months to a year. After that I may travel some more, stay in Australia or return home, as yet I'm not quite sure.

[PNW Judy]

I really think the best place to go for answers to your questions is the Lonely Planet website. Go to the Thorn Tree and there are tons of bulletin boards with good information. I'm sure there is one specific to backpacking in Australia. There is also one that is specific to long-term backpack traveling. I'm sure you'll find all the answers you need there. Good luck and I hope you have a ball. I wanted to do that at your age but, like you, I couldn't find anyone to go with me. So I chickened out. A decision I will always regret.